The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) survey of school students shows that two-thirds of exam students are calling for a hybrid model for state examinations in 2022 (68% of leaving cycle students and 63% of junior cycle students). The survey, which closed on Friday 14th January, received over 40,900 responses from students all around Ireland. 1 in 3 senior cycle students in Ireland answered the survey (18,981 individuals). 1 in 7 junior cycle students in Ireland answered the survey (8,329 individuals).
Speaking on the matter, ISSU Uachtarán, Emer Neville said: “It has been made abundantly clear that students would like to see a hybrid model implemented for the State Examinations 2022. The ISSU State Examinations Survey for 2022 saw double the engagement from students than previous years. We are calling on the Department of Education to hear the voice of students, who are continuing their education in abnormal times. With the levels of disruptions, mental health pressures and classes missed, we are asking the minister to introduce a hybrid model for state examinations.”
Students also voiced their concerns about missing classes, absenteeism of both students and teachers in the classroom, the immense pressure of the current situation on their mental health, to name a few. The full report of the ISSU Survey on Covid-19 in schools and the State Examinations 2022 highlighting student experiences and opinions on schools and state exams will be released soon.
